Unfortunately, the lower Gulf of Mexico states have seen first-hand what life is like when the ocean overtakes land. Although there's no Hollywood screenplays or million-dollar actors in this drama. This is the reality of life after Hurricane Katrina.

Thousands of evacuees fled north, and several landed right here in some of Russellville's hotels.

Today's front-page feature story highlights former Russellville resident Jim Grant and his recent experience with evacuating to his parents' house in Russellville. We will continue to provide you with all the local ties when they emerge.

As we try to cover the local and national news of this tragedy, we are reminded of how something like having drinking water can be taken away in an instant.

We encourage readers to help out with the relief effort. The actual day of the storm was just the beginning. Our southern neighbors will need our help for months to come.

The conditions in New Orleans grew worse Wednesday as more levees gave way filling the below-sea level city with more water.

The earliest headlines noted how New Orleans missed a bullet, so to speak, but the floods will prove to be just as dangerous as Katrina.

We know the caring people of the Arkansas River Valley have and will continue to find ways to help.

The Courier would like to offer news briefs for any organization that plans to host relief efforts. E-mail them to editor@couriernews.com or bring them by The Courier office at 211 E. Second St. in Russellville.

Be sure to include a contact name and number so we can call for any information or for verification.

Readers who want to keep up with all the local relief efforts can look on page 3 every day for the latest opportunities to lend a helping hand.